Origin
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder, commonly known as the slender-flowered rosary pea is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific region.
Common Names
The Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus has several common names such as Slender-flowered rosary pea, Tiger's tail, Jequirity vine, Indian liquorice, Black-eyed Susan, Crab's eye vine, Love vine, Gidee gidee, and Buraivli.
Uses
Despite the plant's toxic properties, various cultures have found some useful applications of the Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus in medicine and traditional practices. The seeds of the plant contain toxic lectins and have been used as poison in arrows and jewelry. In Southeast Asia, herbalists use the plant to treat dysentery, epilepsy, and delirium. The seeds of the plant are also occasionally used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as leprosy and fever.
General Appearance
The slender-flowered rosary pea or Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus is a climbing or twining vine, commonly growing up to 10 meters in length. The plant possesses attractive flowers that are small and white or pinkish-white, each with a diameter of around 5 mm. The flowers are then followed by leguminous pods, and the plant's seeds are small, shiny, and ovoid, primarily black and red; the seeds are diamond-shaped, except the microscopic embryo which is curved.
Light Requirements:
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. It requires around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth. The plant can withstand short periods of shade as well, but prolonged shade can affect its growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers warm temperatures for its growth and development. The optimal temperature range for Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder is between 15°C to 30°C, but it can tolerate higher temperatures of up to 35°C. The plant cannot withstand frost or extreme cold and therefore, should be protected during the winter season.
Soil Requirements:
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder requires well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The plant prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. Sandy loam soils with good drainage are best suited for its growth. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils or highly saline soils.
Cultivation of Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It prefers a warm and humid climate and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. For cultivation, it can be grown in pots or in the ground.
Watering Needs for Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder requires consistent moisture, but care must be taken to avoid overwatering, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot. Water the plant deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During periods of heavy rainfall, ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization of Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two to three months or a liquid fertilizer every month during active growth. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder
Regular pruning can help maintain the shape and size of Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder. Prune during the growing season to encourage branching and to remove dead or damaged growth. Cut back to just above a leaf node or bud to promote healthy new growth. Avoid heavy pruning during the winter months, as the plant will be dormant.
Propagation of Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D. Harder
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D. Harder, commonly known as the black-seeded Indian liquorice or wild liquorice, is a perennial twining vine that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a fast-growing plant that produces beautiful red flowers and black seeds encased in a bright red coat. Propagation of Abrus melanospermus can be done through sexual propagation or asexual propagation methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Abrus melanospermus is done by planting seeds. The seeds should be harvested from the plant when they are ripe and ready to fall. To ensure germination, the hard seeds can be scarified or soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting. After scarification or soaking, plant the seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mixture, and keep them moist until they germinate. Germination of the seeds can take up to 3 weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted into bigger pots or directly in the garden.
Asexual Propagation
Abrus melanospermus can also be propagated asexually using stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from the parent plant, ensuring that each cutting has at least one node. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dust the cut end with rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil or in potting mix in a container. Place the container in a warm and humid location with bright, indirect sunlight, and keep the soil consistently moist. The cuttings will root in about 3-4 weeks, after which they can be transplanted into bigger pots or directly in the garden.
Disease Management
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder can be affected by various diseases. Some of the common diseases are:
- Leaf spot: Caused by a fungus, leaf spots appear as circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides such as copper-based products can also be applied.
- Powdery mildew: This is a common fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To control powdery mildew, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides such as sulfur-based products can also be applied.
- Root rot: Caused by a fungus, root rot is characterized by rotting roots and stunted growth. To manage this disease, affected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides such as systemic fungicides can also be applied.
Pest Management
Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder can be attacked by various pests. Some of the common pests are:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage aphids, affected leaves should be washed with a strong jet of water. Insecticidal soap can also be used.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, affected leaves should be washed with a strong jet of water. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used.
- Caterpillars: These are larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed immediately. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) can also be used.
Regular inspection of the plants and proper sanitation practices can go a long way in preventing these diseases and pests from affecting Abrus melanospermus Hassk. subsp. tenuiflorus (Benth.) D.Harder.
